Patna: The Bihar Health Department has stepped up monitoring at Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH), issuing a series of directions aimed at improving doctor availability, emergency services and patient care.
Under the new directive, doctors working at PMCH will be required to remain present at the hospital from 9 AM to 5 PM, in accordance with the standards prescribed by the National Medical Commission (NMC).
The move is aimed at ensuring that patients visiting the state’s major government hospital can access doctors during working hours without unnecessary delays.
Surprise Inspection Brings Hospital Systems Under Review
The directions came after a surprise inspection of PMCH by Health Department Secretary Kumar Ravi, Special Secretary Arvind Verma and BMSICL Managing Director Subrat Sen on Tuesday.
The officials reviewed various healthcare services, ongoing construction work and patient facilities across the hospital. Emergency services and regular monitoring of critically ill patients were among the key areas discussed during the inspection.
Doctors Must Conduct Two Emergency Rounds Daily
The Health Department has also issued specific instructions for emergency units.
Doctors posted in units operating emergency wards will have to conduct at least two patient rounds every day. During these rounds, doctors will assess patients’ conditions and ensure that treatment is modified or further medical intervention is initiated wherever necessary.
The department expects regular rounds to improve monitoring of critical patients and enable faster medical intervention during emergencies.
Vacant Doctor Posts to Be Reported Immediately
The shortage of doctors at PMCH was also taken up during the inspection.
Health Secretary Kumar Ravi directed the hospital superintendent to immediately submit details of all vacant doctor posts to the department. The information could help the government initiate steps towards filling vacant positions and improving doctor availability at the hospital.
New OPD and Medicine Centre Under Review
Officials also reviewed the progress of the new OPD, registration counter and medicine distribution centre being developed at PMCH.
Representatives of construction agency L&T and BMSICL were instructed to ensure that safety and quality standards are maintained and that the work is completed within the stipulated timeline.
Ayushman Mitras to Help Patients
The department is also planning to deploy trained Ayushman Mitras at PMCH to assist beneficiaries under the Ayushman Bharat scheme.
They will help patients understand the scheme’s procedures, complete documentation and address difficulties related to accessing treatment benefits.
Special workshops will also be organised for doctors and hospital staff to improve their understanding of the technical and procedural aspects of the scheme.
Focus on Medicine Availability and Patient Care
Officials have also directed the hospital to improve coordination with Amrit Pharma to address issues related to the availability and supply of medicines.
With stricter attendance monitoring, mandatory emergency rounds, efforts to fill vacant posts and improvements in OPD, medicine and Ayushman services, the Health Department is seeking to make PMCH more accountable and patient-focused.
As one of Bihar’s major government hospitals, PMCH caters to a large number of patients every day. The effective implementation of these directives could play a key role in improving the availability and quality of healthcare services at the hospital.
